Shapes and Dynamics from the Time-Dependent Mean Field

TL;DR

This paper explores how time-dependent mean-field models can elucidate nuclear shape properties, including giant resonances and fission dynamics, through specific examples like silicon-28 and plutonium-240.

Contribution

It demonstrates the application of time-dependent mean-field approaches to analyze nuclear shapes and their dynamical properties, linking shape degrees of freedom to observable phenomena.

Findings

Giant resonances in deformed nuclei can be understood via time-dependent mean-field models.

Fission isomers exhibit characteristic shape dynamics captured by the approach.

Examples include detailed analysis of $^{28}$Si and $^{240}$Pu.

Abstract

Explaining observed properties in terms of underlying shape degrees of freedom is a well--established prism with which to understand atomic nuclei. Self--consistent mean--field models provide one tool to understand nuclear shapes, and their link to other nuclear properties and observables. We present examples of how the time--dependent extension of the mean--field approach can be used in particular to shed light on nuclear shape properties, particularly looking at the giant resonances built on deformed nuclear ground states, and at dynamics in highly-deformed fission isomers. Example calculations are shown of $^{28}$Si in the first case, and $^{240}$Pu in the latter case.